Commerce Trust Building, Kansas City
The Commerce Trust Building in Kansas City is a historic 15-story tower completed in 1907 as the home for Commerce Bancshares, the city's largest bank at the time. It stands out as Kansas City's second skyscraper, following the New York Life building, and was the tallest building in Missouri upon its opening. The building is notable for its striking facade, featuring red granite and white terra cotta tiles.
The site previously housed the Kansas City Journal, which was later taken over by Commerce. Interestingly, former U.S. President Harry Truman worked in the building that preceded the Commerce Trust Building. Designed by architect Jarvis Hunt, who also designed Kansas City's Union Station and the headquarters of the Kansas City Star, the building reflects Hunt's prominent role in shaping the city's architectural landscape. The construction was handled by the George A. Fuller Company, renowned for building iconic structures such as the Flatiron Building in New York City and continuing its legacy in skyscraper construction worldwide.
In 1965, Commerce expanded with the addition of Commerce Tower but retained the original Commerce Trust Building for continued use. A significant renovation in 2004 expanded the building鈥檚 square footage to 300,000 square feet by filling in the light court between the fourth and 15th floors. This renovation also included a notable feature in the lobby: the illumination of its ornate glass ceiling to mimic natural sunlight, enhancing the building鈥檚 historic charm with a modern touch.
The site previously housed the Kansas City Journal, which was later taken over by Commerce. Interestingly, former U.S. President Harry Truman worked in the building that preceded the Commerce Trust Building. Designed by architect Jarvis Hunt, who also designed Kansas City's Union Station and the headquarters of the Kansas City Star, the building reflects Hunt's prominent role in shaping the city's architectural landscape. The construction was handled by the George A. Fuller Company, renowned for building iconic structures such as the Flatiron Building in New York City and continuing its legacy in skyscraper construction worldwide.
In 1965, Commerce expanded with the addition of Commerce Tower but retained the original Commerce Trust Building for continued use. A significant renovation in 2004 expanded the building鈥檚 square footage to 300,000 square feet by filling in the light court between the fourth and 15th floors. This renovation also included a notable feature in the lobby: the illumination of its ornate glass ceiling to mimic natural sunlight, enhancing the building鈥檚 historic charm with a modern touch.
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Commerce Trust Building on Map
Sight Name: Commerce Trust Building
Sight Location: Kansas City, USA (See walking tours in Kansas City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kansas City, USA (See walking tours in Kansas City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kansas City, Missouri
Create Your Own Walk in Kansas City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kansas City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Crossroads Art District Walking Tour
Situated at the intersection of creativity and culture, the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City emerges as a thriving hub of artistic expression and cultural vitality. Formerly the industrial and warehouse area, today it is one of the trendiest art communities in the Midwest. As such, this enclave is the place where many progressive art spots have established themselves.
Among its notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Among its notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour
The historical buildings of Kansas City are truly remarkable, weaving a narrative of rich heritage and enduring elegance reflecting the city's eventful past and lasting beauty.
At its heart, the imposing Kansas City City Hall rises as a prime example of Neo-Classical and Beaux-Arts architecture, a stalwart symbol of civic pride that has stood the test of time.
As you stroll through the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
At its heart, the imposing Kansas City City Hall rises as a prime example of Neo-Classical and Beaux-Arts architecture, a stalwart symbol of civic pride that has stood the test of time.
As you stroll through the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Kansas City Introduction Walking Tour
Kansas City, Missouri, started in the 1830s as a port city at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. The first European explorers to map the area were the French, who named the river 鈥淐ansez,鈥� which eventually morphed into Kansas.
Louis and Clark passed through in 1804, noting that the area was an excellent place to build a fort. The actual settlement didn鈥檛 come until later,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Louis and Clark passed through in 1804, noting that the area was an excellent place to build a fort. The actual settlement didn鈥檛 come until later,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles